From shamrocks to Leprechauns to fiddle music to the color green, these three books have St. Patrick’s Day (March, 17) covered. Oh, and in case you’re wondering why people wear shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s because regular rocks are too heavy. *drum roll—ba-DUM-ching*
St. Patrick’s Day
by Anne Rockwell (Author), Lizzy Rockwell (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (January 26, 2010)
This is a very kid-friendly explanation of what St. Patrick’s Day is all about. The story is told from a child’s perspective and is set within a school classroom (most likely a kindergarten class). The class is led in a discovery type learning experience and encouraged to make group presentations, which gives a very familiar feel to the readers. The illustrations are colorful and energetic—a good representation of this lively Irish holiday. A wonderful introduction to Irish traditions and culture!
Magic Tree House #43: Leprechaun in Late Winter
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (January 12, 2010)
Magic Tree House is a favorite amongst early readers and fluent readers. This installment finds Jack and Annie on an Irish adventure that is fit for a St. Patrick’s Day read. The bother and sister duo have been sent on another mission by Merlin the magician. They have to find a girl named Augusta and inspire her to discover her hidden talents. On their quest to fulfill their mission, they encounter many a creature from Irish folklore. It’s a very entertaining read—Magic Treehouse fans will not be disappointed.
Magic Tree House Research Guide #21: Leprechauns and Irish Folklore: A Nonfiction Companion to Leprechaun in Late Winter
by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 12, 2010)
A great companion to Leprechaun in Late Winter, but certainly a first-rate stand-alone non-fiction resource for learning about Leprechauns and Irish folklore. The combination of text, fun facts, photos, and illustrations make this an enjoyable way for children to gain knowledge.
Calendar Mysteries #3: March Mischief 
by Ron Roy
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 26, 2010)
A great choice for those looking for an introduction to an easy-to-read chapter book. The author, Ron Roy, is extremely popular with both kids and parents—especially the mystery book lovers. This particular installment is about the luck of the Irish. Thumbs-up!
Ten Lucky Leprechauns
by Kathryn Heling (Author), (Author), and
Reading age: 3 – 5 years
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books
A humorous, rhyming celebration of St. Patrick’s Day!
Leave us a comment: Tell us about your favorite St. Patrick’s Day book or activity.
3 Comments
Thanks for mentioning the Magic Treehouse books. I really like that series. My daughters eat them up. The thing that makes them great is that they are both appealing to children (entertaining, etc.), and developmentally valuable. Kids read them voraciously, learn history, geography, folklore, etc., and have a blast doing it. The research guides are great too. My children use them in their homeschooling curriculum from time to time.
You’re welcome! I think they’re great too. Kudos to you for using them in your homeschooling curriculum.
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